exploited

[ik-sploi-tid]

adjective

1. utilized or made practical use of, especially for profit.

   Edible insects are a widely exploited food source among many of the world’s Indigenous populations.

2. used selfishly by someone for their own ends.

   Every one of these exploited workers shared stories of their inhumane working conditions and their determination to fight back.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of exploit.

Other Word Forms

• half-exploited adjective
• self-exploited adjective
• unexploited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exploited¹

exploit ² ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

She said that "an inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual must never be exploited as justification for broader censorship or control".

From BBC

He called on the CEOs of Discord and other networks to “explain what actions they will take to ensure their platforms are not exploited for nefarious purposes.”

From Los Angeles Times

And that polarization, he said, is being exploited by extremist groups seeking to advance a certain message.

From Los Angeles Times

The court heard that he told his initial screening interview with British officials that he had not been exploited and had been paid when he worked as a labourer in Libya.

From BBC

Redford’s most memorable roles were arguably those that exploited the juxtaposition of the actor’s chiseled, class-president good looks and his ability to conjure up a scarred and hostile psyche.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abused www.thesaurus.com
• oppressed 
• overburdened www.thesaurus.com